How to mount a TV on the wall
Mounting your TV on a wall is a great way to maximize space and elevate your room’s aesthetic appeal. Ideal for flat screen TVs, television mounting provides a sleek and modern look to your space, blending seamlessly into the wall. Plus, the television wall mount process can be a fun DIY activity, allowing you to add a personal touch to your home. To assist you in this endeavor, we have put together a comprehensive guide that covers every step of the process. From the equipment and tools needed to a step-by-step walkthrough, this guide is all you need to successfully mount your TV on a wall.
Things that you will need:
Apart from a TV and a sturdy wall, here are a few things that you will need to properly mount your TV:
Equipment/Tools
● Paper template (optional)
● Measuring tape
● Pencil/masking tape
● Stud finder
● Cordless drill
● Level
Materials
● Desired TV mount (tilt, fixed, or full motion)
● Toggle bolts (for walls with no studs)
● Mounting hardware (spacers, screws, etc)
Get a friend or a family member to help you out with steps like lifting and positioning the TV. It’s best to have an extra set of hands available during the television mounting process.
Finding the right TV wall mount
Finding the right TV wall mount comes down to two main factors: the style of TV wall mount that can work best with your TV set and the bracket size that your TV can accept. Wall mounting a TV can put your television set at a different distance from your old set-up if this is your first time trying the wall mount placement. Keep this in mind when you’re deciding where to mount your TV and judge the distance accordingly. Try to find the appropriate distance for optimal viewing in your room by trying out different viewing spots.
Lastly, before you begin mounting the TV, unbox the television wall mount and familiarize yourself with the product. Check out the wall bracket and the TV mounting plate to understand how well they fit with each other, and where exactly are you going to mount it. Keep all your tools handy and ensure that you have the necessary screws for the wall and the attachments to the TV.
Finding the ideal TV position
After deciding on the right TV mounting bracket for your TV, start thinking about the ideal location and height for your television mount. You need to be sure about your TV’s positioning since your ability to adjust the TV once you’ve completed the mounting process will be limited.
The first step is to find the right TV holder wall. When watching movies and shows, you would want to be seated on your couch or bed, with your TV in the center of the room. This is the most optimal viewing point and will enhance your entertainment experience. Ensure that the wall you choose has the necessary power outlets accessible.
Once you’ve chosen the wall, the next step is to position your TV at eye level. For the best viewing experience, position your TV in the center of the wall and mark your desired position with a pencil or masking tape. Finally, estimate the position of your mount in relation to the TV. Some TVs attach to the TV mounting brackets from the center of the chassis, while others do so from the bottom. This step is extremely important so that you do not end up attaching your TV mount in the wrong position.
Safety considerations
Ensure that your TV and TV mount installation process adheres to the recommended weight limits to avoid any potential collapses. Mounting your TV on a vibration-free wall is also vital for the same reason. A collapse can severely damage your TV and it’s always best to rule out these accidents by following the safety instructions.
Before you start any drilling work, remember to switch off all circuit breakers that might be connected to any wires within the wall.
Instructions
Here’s a step-by-step guide that will streamline your television wall mount process:
How to mount a TV: Walls with studs
Step 1: Attach the bracket to your TV
Before you start your TV mounting process, make sure that you have purchased the correct mount.
Grab the bracket (the part of the mount that connects to the TV) and place it over the holes on the back of your TV. Use the screws and washers provided with the TV to attach the TV mounting bracket.
Note: Refrain from over-tightening the screws. Only use the hardware provided with your TV purchase.
Step 2: Locate studs
Use a stud finder on your TV holder wall to locate the position of two studs in the area where you want to mount your television. Use a pencil or masking tape to mark the preferred positions.
Step 3: Mark the drill holes
Measure the desired height on the TV holder wall, upwards from the floor with the help of a tape measure. Mark the preferred position with a pencil and place the paper template or mounting plate at that height against the wall. Place the bubble level on top of the paper template or plate and mark the drill holes with a pencil.
Step 4: Drill the pilot holes
With the help of a cordless drill, drill pilot holes on each of your pencil markings. Ensure that the pilot holes are smaller in diameter than the screws that you are going to use.
Step 5: Attach the mounting plate
Place your mounting plate over the drilled holes. Insert the provided screws in the holes and drill them firmly to attach the plate to the wall.
Step 6: Attach your TV to the mounting plate
Simply attach the bracket on the back of your TV to the mounting plate you just attached to the wall.
How to mount a TV: Walls without studs
Step 1: Attach the bracket to your TV
Affix the TV mounting bracket (not the mounting plate) to the back of your TV.
Step 2: Mark the drill holes
Place the paper template or the mounting plate against the wall and use the bubble level on top to check the alignment. Remove any obstructions such as clear studs from the drywall since you are going to be using toggle bolts. Toggle bolts require over two inches of clear space. Use a pencil to mark the drill locations.
Step 3: Drill holes for the toggle bolts
Refer to the toggle bolt package for the correct hole diameter. Remember, the diameter mentioned will not be the diameter of the bolt, but of the wing unit attached to the bolt and folded up.
Step 4: Attach the toggle bolts to the mounting plate
Insert the toggle bolts from the front of the mounting plate, through the mounting plate holes.
Step 5: Place the wing units on the bolts
From the back of the mounting plate, thread the bolts through the wing units. The open section of the wings should be facing the room, not the wall. Leave the wing units threaded into the bolt ends, approximately four to five threads in.
Step 6: Insert the toggle bolts into the holes
This step will require assistance, so make sure you have a friend or family member around. Have your helper hold up the mounting plate as you insert the bolts into the holes. Close the wings and push the bolts into the holes. Once you hear the wings pop open in the wall, it means that they are fully extended.
Step 7: Draw the wing forward
Ask your helper to apply pressure to the mounting plate and have them pull the plate towards the room. While they do this, you need to turn the bolts clockwise with a cordless drill. Stop once the plate is attached firmly to the wall.
Step 8: Check the mounting plate for leveled placement
The holes that you drilled for the toggle bolts can cause the television mounting plate to slide and shift during the tightening process. Use the bubble level to make sure that your mounting plate is leveled properly. If you notice any shift or tilt, loosen the toggle bolts, and reposition the plate gently.
Step 9: Attach your TV to the mounting plate
First, align your TV and the wall mount bracket. Attach the TV along with the bracket to the mounting plate you just installed on the wall.
That’s it, you’re all done! You can now sit back, relax, and reap the rewards of your efforts. Plug your TV cables into a power outlet and indulge in your favorite TV shows and movies on your brand-new TV.